FO:APFC/2000/REP  |
| FO:APFC/2000/REP |
REPORT
of the
EIGHTEENTH SESSION
of the
ASIA-PACIFIC FORESTRY COMMISSION
Noosaville, Queensland, Australia
15 - 19 May 2000
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Regional office for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok, 2000
STATE OF FORESTRY IN THE REGION (Item 3)
(a) Implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific
(b) Regional Strategy for Implementing the Code
(d) Efficacy of removing natural forests from timber production as a strategy for conserving forests
IN-SESSION SEMINAR: CERTIFICATION AND FOREST PRODUCT LABELLING (Item 7)
PRELIMINARY FOREST RESOURCES ASSESSMENT 2000 FINDINGS (Item 10)
DATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT SESSION (Item 13)
ADOPTION OF THE REPORT (Item 14)
OBSERVERS FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
OBSERVERS FROM INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
International Union of Forestry Research Organizations (IUFRO)
Regional Community Forestry Training Center (RECOFTC)
Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF)
At the invitation of the Government of Australia, the eighteenth session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission was held in Noosaville, Queensland, Australia from 15 to 19 May 2000. Representatives of 25 member nations and observers from 8 international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations attended the session. A list of participants is given in Appendix B.
Mr. M. Hosny El-Lakany, Assistant Director-General and Head of the Forestry Department of FAO, welcomed participants on behalf of the Director-General of FAO. He thanked the Government of Australia, and especially Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia, and the Queensland Government for the excellent arrangements. He noted with appreciation the contributions of Australia to forestry development in the region, particularly in support of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission.
Reflecting on priority forest policies and technical issues facing Asia and the Pacific, Mr. El-Lakany noted the numerous challenges associated with promoting and achieving sustainable forest management. He stressed the need for increased political support to complement technical solutions for improving forest management, and singled out the challenges of adequately protecting the rich biological resources of the region's natural forests, and effectively dealing with forest fire issues. He highlighted the importance of trade and marketing of forest products within the region, and the need for better data and statistics to support decision-making. He also noted with appreciation the advances made in Asia and the Pacific in enhancing people's participation in forest management.
Mr. El-Lakany concluded by highlighting FAO's efforts to decentralize staff and introduce some structural changes to facilitate better support to member countries, the importance FAO gives to the regional forestry commissions as mechanisms for identifying, analyzing, and dealing with critical forestry issues, and the need for forging strong partnerships among countries and international organizations to effectively implement national forest programmes.
In his inaugural address, The Honorable Wilson Tuckey, Australian Minister for Forestry and Conservation, outlined Australia's policies oriented toward balancing forest use and environmental protection. He described Australia's positive experiences in forging Regional Forest Agreements that significantly increased the area of forest under protection, while ensuring a steady supply of raw material for industry over the coming two decades. Minister Tuckey also stressed the importance of basing forest policies on sound science rather than political expediency. He asserted that governments had a responsibility in forest certification, and called for member governments to become involved in the recognition of standards between countries. The Minister concluded by describing Australia's ambitious "Plantations Vision 2020," which aims to develop a 3-million hectare plantation estate by the year 2020.
Under the guidance of Mr. I G.M. Tantra (Indonesia), on behalf of the outgoing Chairman of the Commission, the provisional agenda (FO:APFC/2000/1) was reviewed and adopted (see Appendix A). Documents submitted for consideration by the Commission are listed in Appendix C.
The Commission unanimously elected the following individuals to hold office until the commencement of the nineteenth session:
Chairman: Peter Yuile (Australia)
Vice-Chairmen: H.M. Bandaratillake (Sri Lanka)
Xeme Samountry (Lao PDR)
Lamjav Dorjtseden (Mongolia)
Rapporteur: Gary Man (U.S.A.)
Mr. Patrick Durst (FAO) served as Secretary of the Commission.
The Commission considered agenda item 3 on the basis of national reports and Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/2, which presented an overview of forestry conditions and developments since the last session of the Commission. Country delegates also provided useful summaries of recent developments and issues in their countries. Attention was drawn to the Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study, which was completed in 1998 under the auspices of the Commission, the results of which remain highly relevant.
Many countries reported on initiatives to accelerate decentralization and devolution of forest management and increase participation of relevant stakeholders in forest management decision-making. Several countries reported on recent efforts to update and revise forest policies and legislation, in many cases made to accommodate new modalities in participatory forest management.
Countries reported progress toward achieving sustainable forest management during the past two years. Common efforts were cited in developing and implementing national codes of practice for forest harvesting, elaboration and testing of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, and establishment of certification schemes. The Commission recommended that member countries continue to share experiences and work together, with support from FAO and other international organizations, to effectively implement national codes of practice for forest harvesting, and to document and promote "best management practices" and guidelines for reduced impact logging.
Forest protection remains a common concern among the Commission's members. Several countries reported on efforts to expand and strengthen the management of protected areas and the conservation of forest biological diversity. Uncontrolled forest clearing and forest fires were reported as major threats to forests in the region. The Commission recommended that member countries and international organizations increase their efforts to deal with the pressing issues related to forest fire management.
National forest programmes were seen as an effective mechanism for forest planning, and for mobilizing and coordinating necessary support for forestry in the region. Several countries highlighted the lack of financial resources and technical expertise for implementing national forest programmes, and requested FAO to increase its support for the implementation of national forest programmes and the transfer of technology.
The Commission noted that the twenty-fifth FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific would be held in Yokohama, Japan, in August 2000. It recommended that the results and recommendations of the current session of the Commission be presented to the FAO Regional Conference to highlight the commitment of member governments to sustainable forest management.
On the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/3, the Commission considered the FAO forestry programmes carried out during 1998-99. The Secretariat informed the Commission of the basic objectives and functions of the FAO regular programme, which attempts to provide information and statistics, analyses and outlook studies, opportunities for policy discussions, and technical assistance. Major activities in the areas of policy and planning, forest products, and forest resources were described. The Commission noted FAO's emphasis on synergy between the regular programme and the field programme, and efforts to work in partnership with other organizations in the region.
The Commission was informed of FAO's plans to further decentralize the management of field project operations to national FAO offices and regional technical groups over two years. It was anticipated that this would result in substantial savings and increased efficiency in delivering project support to member countries. It was recognized, however, that the restructuring would introduce some near-term uncertainty and adjustment.
The Commission welcomed FAO's recent initiatives to enhance collaboration and partnership with other international organizations and member countries. It also appreciated the increasing level of in-kind contributions supplementing the limited resources of FAO. The Commission encouraged FAO to increase budget and staff resources devoted to forestry. It further encouraged FAO to continue efforts to secure additional budgetary resources through innovative and flexible financing arrangements.
The Commission generally approved of the regular programme activities and field projects being carried out by FAO in the region. The Commission recommended that FAO continue support for the development and implementation of national codes of practice for forest harvesting. It also requested FAO to give increased attention to decentralization and devolution of forest management, the impacts of economic globalization on the international trade of forest products, and the strengthening of capacity for collecting and analyzing forestry information and statistics.
The Commission noted with appreciation the follow-up actions that had been taken on the recommendations of the seventeenth session.
The Commission reviewed the activities of the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/4. The Commission recalled that the Working Group had been established four years ago at the sixteenth session of the Commission. During the two years since the last Commission meeting, the Working Group gave high priority to the following:
The Commission praised the work of the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management and agreed that it should continue to play a positive role in promoting sustainable forest management in the region. The Commission extended the mandate of the ad hoc Working Group for an additional two years, and further recommended that it give priority to supporting the implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific, consistent with the Regional Strategy for Implementing the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. The Commission adopted revised terms of reference for the Working Group, attached as Appendix D.
The Commission acknowledged that much of the success of the ad hoc Working Group could be attributed to the substantial contributions made by national governments, various international organizations, the FAO Secretariat, and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops, which served as Task Manager for the ad hoc Working Group. Following a request from the Commission, Indonesia agreed to continue serving the Working Group in this capacity. The Commission urged contributing organizations to maintain their positive support.
Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/5 provided the basis for the Commission's review of the efforts that had been made since the last session to support implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. Efforts focused on building awareness for the Code, generating increased political support, enhancing training, exchanging information on code implementation, and developing and implementing national codes of practice for forest harvesting. Excellent support for these activities was provided by the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management, member countries, FAO, and other international organizations.
The Commission acknowledged the progress that several member countries had made in developing and implementing national codes of practice, sets of guidelines, or principles, complementary to the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. It noted that at least 14 member countries had already developed national codes, or were in the process of drafting such codes. It further acknowledged that several countries that had developed national codes several years ago were reviewing and revising these codes, as appropriate.
Recognizing the importance of securing firm political and administrative support for the implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific, the Commission recommended that member countries continue to seek opportunities to obtain regional, sub-regional, and national political support for implementing the Code by requesting appropriate fora to examine the Code with a view toward possible endorsement. The Commission further suggested that efforts be made to link implementation to existing initiatives for which political commitment already exists (e.g., international initiatives for development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, ITTO's Year 2000 Objective, and ASEAN and Secretariat of the Pacific Community initiatives on forestry).
The Commission emphasized the critical importance of engaging the private sector for effective Code implementation and related efforts to achieve sustainable forest management. It urged the ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management to increase efforts to involve the private sector in its activities.
Acknowledging the daunting needs for training at various levels to strengthen capacity for implementing codes of practice for forest harvesting, the Commission welcomed the efforts of the ad hoc Working Group to develop a training strategy. It recommended that the draft training strategy be reviewed by member countries, completed, and widely circulated as quickly as possible. It also recommended that increased attention be given to training and research directed toward improving community-based and other small-scale forest harvesting.
The Commission endorsed the proposal to convene an "International Conference on the Application of Reduced Impact Logging to Advance Sustainable Forest Management: Constraints, Challenges and Opportunities," in Kuching, Malaysia in January 2001, and the proposed objectives and expected outputs of the conference. It recommended that the conference focus on the practical application of, and impediments to, widespread adoption of reduced impact logging. The Commission also saw the conference as an opportunity to further build high-level support and political commitment for practical actions toward sustainable forest management.
The Commission reviewed the drafting process and the content of the Regional Strategy for the Implementing the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/6 and the draft strategy itself.
The Commission commended the process of developing the regional strategy, which was prepared through an interactive process coordinated by the ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management. The Commission expressed particular appreciation for the substantial contributions provided by national governments, various international organizations, the FAO Secretariat, and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops. It also noted that the process had benefited significantly from inputs provided during the APFC study tour to Sabah, Malaysia, on reduced impact logging for high-level officials in (March 1999), the pilot "training-of-trainers" workshop in Malaysia (May 1999), the Regional Consultation on the Implementation of Codes of Logging Practice and Directions for the Future, held in Vanuatu (July 1999), and the Training Strategy Workshop in Indonesia (February 2000).
The Commission endorsed the Regional Strategy for Implementing the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific and acknowledged it as a useful framework for guiding implementation activities in the coming years. It urged member countries and cooperating international organizations to facilitate the timely implementation of the regional strategy.
The Commission was briefed on the Regional Initiative for the Development and Implementation of National-Level Criteria and Indicators for the Sustainable Management of Dry Forests in Asia on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/7 and the draft report of a workshop convened in support of this activity. The Commission recalled that, at its seventeenth session, it had requested FAO, in collaboration with partner organizations, to facilitate and enhance the involvement of those countries not yet involved in international processes related to criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.
The Commission was informed of the results of a "Workshop on National-Level Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Dry Forests in Asia," which was convened in Bhopal, India, in late 1999, with support from FAO, UNEP, ITTO, USDA Forest Service, and the Indian Institute of Forest Management. Nine Asian countries with dry forests participated in the workshop and agreed on a reference set of 8 national-level criteria and 49 indicators for the sustainable management of dry forests in Asia.
The Commission endorsed the Regional Initiative for the Development and Implementation of National-Level Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Management of Dry Forests in Asia. It recognized the reference set of criteria and indicators established by the initiative as a useful framework, in appropriate circumstances, for monitoring progress toward sustainable forest management. It was stressed, however, that criteria and indicators must be practical and appropriately adapted to each country's needs and conditions.
Acknowledging the value of sharing experiences and expertise, the Commission recommended that FAO identify focal points in member countries to help facilitate the exchange of information and experiences related to the development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. It also recommended that FAO, in collaboration with other international organizations, convene a follow-up workshop for members of the regional initiative and other interested countries in 2001. Noting that several members of the Commission were exploring the prospects for developing criteria and indicators for community-based forest management, the Commission urged FAO to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences on this topic.
The Commission recommended that the ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management explore options to link criteria and indicators at both the national and field levels to other mechanisms such as codes of practice for forest harvesting, certification, and operational guidelines.
Based on Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/8 and a report of a pre-APFC policy seminar convened just prior to the session (see Appendix E for the agenda), delegates considered the results of the "Study of the Efficacy of Removing Natural Forests from Timber Production as a Strategy for Conserving Forests." The Commission had requested FAO and the Commission's ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management to investigate experiences of Asia-Pacific countries in implementing logging bans and other restrictions on timber harvesting.
The Commission commended FAO and the ad hoc Working Group for conducting the study, which was considered timely, relevant, and objective. The Commission noted the investigative nature of the study and reiterated that it was not its purpose to advocate logging bans or any other specific restrictions on timber harvesting.
The Commission reviewed the results of six country case studies and the preliminary results of a regional overview of the policy, economic, environmental and social implications of implementing logging bans and timber harvesting restrictions. It noted that countries had achieved mixed results in implementing logging bans. While some countries had some success in achieving conservation objectives through logging bans, removal of natural forests from timber production had resulted in significant negative impacts on the forest products sector and had resulted in disruptive effects in neighboring countries through legal and illegal trade, timber smuggling, and market distortions.
The Commission recognized that logging bans were not a simple solution to the challenges of forest protection, but were only one possible tool available to policy makers that might be selectively applied to assist in balanced long-term forest conservation. The Commission noted that logging bans tend to focus on the symptoms of prior forest policy and management failure, but seldom directly address the underlying problems and causes of forest misuse and degradation. However, under certain conditions and taking into account relevant factors, logging bans and temporary logging bans may be appropriate.
The Commission agreed that alternatives to broadly applied logging bans should be considered, with an emphasis on achieving sustainable forest management. It stressed that clear policies and goals for forest protection and use are needed. It also acknowledged the need for improved monitoring and assessment of both protected and production forests to assure effective implementation of policies.
The Commission requested FAO to widely disseminate the results of the study, including the country case studies, so that the experiences could be reviewed and practical conclusions drawn by other member countries. It also requested FAO to produce and disseminate an executive summary covering the case studies and the regional overview.
The Commission also considered issues identified by the study as requiring additional information and analysis for effective policy making. The Commission agreed with the importance of these areas for further analysis and acknowledged the activities already underway in other organizations. The Commission encouraged FAO and the ad hoc Working Group to work with other organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration on the following issues:
The Commission was informed of the latest developments in follow up to the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/9.
Among the major conclusions of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests was the recommendation to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) to approve the establishment of a new international arrangement on forests to promote the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end. The new intergovernmental body may be called the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). Principal functions of the UNFF would be to: (a) facilitate and promote the implementation of the IPF/IFF proposals for action; (b) provide a forum for continued policy development and dialogue among governments; (c) enhance cooperation and coordination among international and regional organizations; (d) foster international cooperation, including North-South and public-private partnerships; and (e) monitor and assess progress.
The Commission stressed that the UNFF should be action-oriented and transparent, and should avoid debate on issues for which decisions have previously been reached. FAO has informed the Commission on Sustainable Development of its willingness to host the Secretariat of the UNFF.
Recognizing that many countries with limited financial resources find it difficult to participate fully in global forums, the Commission suggested that FAO's regional forestry commissions and the Committee on Forestry (COFO) could play important roles in supporting practical implementation of IPF/IFF proposals and facilitating dialogue and cooperation.
During a special in-session seminar, the Commission considered issues related to forest certification and forest product labelling on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/10 and presentations by seven speakers from government, industry, certification processes, international organizations, and community organizations. The agenda of the in-session seminar is attached as Appendix F.
The seminar covered a wide range of issues and provided an opportunity for the exchange of information, experiences and views. Issues receiving particular attention included: (a) the opportunities and problems of market demand and market access; (b) chain of custody; (c) the special situation facing small producers, especially community organizations; (d) the possible linkages between criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management and certification; (e) the role and responsibilities of governments; and (f) the needs and activities of the private sector.
The Commission recognized the high degree of attention being given to certification, and its risks and opportunities for the forestry sector. The Commission recognized that to date few forests have been certified in the Asia-Pacific region, but there was widespread interest and concern in the region about certification. It was cognizant of the complexity of issues and the wide range of views on these issues.
The Commission noted that certification could potentially encourage sustainable forest management and protect markets and market access. It acknowledged, however, that there were still many concerns and difficulties with implementation. A number of certification efforts in the region were discussed, including those of the Forest Stewardship Council, the Indonesian Ekolabelling Institute, ITTO's work on criteria and indicators, New Zealand Forest Industries Council Verification of Environmental Performance schemes, and various proposals for community-based forest management.
The Commission recognized that many issues remained to be resolved and that considerable uncertainty existed because of the number of schemes and the diversity of approaches being taken. Members noted the confusion concerning the implementation of certification, and suggested that there was a need for increased efforts to address these concerns. The Commission supported efforts to ensure a greater degree of mutual recognition between different schemes.
The Commission noted that certification would continue to be important to member countries and encouraged the exchange of information and experiences. The Commission further recommended that FAO increase efforts to provide information and facilitate information sharing and dialogue among members to expand the level of understanding and to assist decision-making related to certification and labelling.
The Commission considered key issues related to forestry and the Kyoto Protocol on the basis of Secretariat Note FO:APFC/2000/11.
The Commission noted the complexity of the issues and the fact that this was an on-going subject of considerable interest to the forestry sector. The Commission recognized the wide range of issues that remain unresolved at this stage and a range of views on these issues.
The Commission noted that forestry was not at the forefront of the negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol, but that these negotiations were potentially extremely important for the forestry sector. It further noted that the potential existed for developing countries to realize substantial benefits under the Clean Development Mechanism.
The Commission was informed of several studies and supportive activities, including research being conducted to determine how communities might benefit by using their forests for carbon sequestration. The Commission requested that members be kept informed of this and other relevant research and progress of negotiations related to forestry and Kyoto Protocol. The Commission requested FAO to facilitate the exchange of information among members of the Commission on Kyoto Protocol issues of relevance to forestry.
The Commission endorsed FAO's intention to strengthen its capacity to advise and guide member countries to make the best use of the potential new opportunities offered through the Kyoto Protocol.
The Commission was informed of plans to observe the International Year of Mountains in 2002 on the basis on Information Note FO:APFC/2000/INF.4.
In 1998, the United Nations General Assembly nominated FAO as the lead UN agency to prepare for, and implement the International Year of Mountains. The Commission was informed that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Mountains had subsequently been reactivated and that FAO was in the process of establishing regional networks on mountains. A series of international and national meetings and workshops on mountains was also being planned.
The Commission noted the relevance of the International Year of Mountains because of the significance of mountain ecosystems in the region. It also pointed out the large number of organizations based in Asia and the Pacific that are dealing with mountain-related issues.
The Commission requested FAO to make available information and promotional materials for the International Year of Mountains to member countries early to allow countries to prepare adequately for activities at the national level.
The Commission was informed of progress in carrying out the Forest Resources Assessment 2000 on the basis of Information Note FO:APFC/2000/INF.5.
Good progress was reported in collecting and verifying forest resources data from most countries in Asia, while considerable work remained for the Pacific island countries. The Commission was informed of ongoing efforts to validate information in advance of official publication, including through upcoming workshops in Bhutan and the South Pacific and through the FAO forestry website.
The Commission was also informed of FAO's plans to complete and publish a series of special studies as part of the Forest Resources Assessment 2000, including studies on trees outside forests, biomass, non-wood forest products, and fires.
The Commission urged those countries that have not yet provided relevant data for the Forest Resources Assessment 2000, or validated their data, to do so as soon as possible.
Recognizing that national forest programmes are useful for facilitating forest planning and mobilizing and coordinating necessary support for forestry in countries around the world, the Commission wished to draw to the attention of COFO its request to FAO to increase support for the implementation of national forest programmes and the transfer of technology.
The Commission highlighted the progress and activities of its ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management, particularly its work in supporting the implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. It wished to inform COFO of the importance of securing firm political and administrative support for implementation of the Code and the Commission's recommendation that efforts be made to link implementation to existing initiatives for which political commitment already exists (e.g., international initiatives for the development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, ITTO's Year 2000 Objective, and ASEAN and SPC initiatives on forestry).
The Commission wished to inform COFO of the interesting results of the "Study of the Efficacy of Removing Natural Forests from Timber Production as a Strategy for Conserving Forests." Recognizing that the results of the study may be valuable to countries outside the region, the Commission wished to inform COFO that it had requested FAO to widely disseminate the results of the study.
The Commission requested COFO to consider the difficulty that many countries with limited financial resources have in participating fully in global fora such as the proposed United Nations Forum on Forests. It therefore wished to suggest to COFO that FAO's regional forestry commissions and COFO could play important roles in supporting practical implementation of IPF/IFF proposals and facilitating dialogue and cooperation.
Acknowledging that many issues related to forest certification and the forestry aspects of the Kyoto Protocol remained to be resolved, the Commission wished to draw to the attention of COFO the need for increased efforts to address these concerns and to facilitate information sharing and dialogue on these issues.
The Commission concluded that convening in-session seminars, or seminars prior to the Commission's main session, was an effective mechanism to enhance participation and improve the exchange of views and information. It suggested that COFO take note of this strategy and recommend it for possible adoption by other regional forestry commissions. The Commission also urged COFO to consider ways of enhancing the participation of the private sector and non-governmental organizations in regional forestry commission sessions and activities.
The Commission appreciated a report from the Forest and Trees Adviser of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community on the recently concluded meeting of the South Pacific Heads of Forestry. The meeting had identified important forestry issues and challenges of the Pacific island members. It had also developed a strategic plan for supporting forestry development, covering aspects of sustainable forest management, sustainable utilization of forest products, and agroforestry. The meeting also:
An evaluation of the session was conducted. Delegates indicated strong appreciation for the in-session seminar on certification and the pre-session seminar on the efficacy of removing natural forests from timber production as a strategy for conserving forests. They suggested the need for further encouraging more open discussion and dialogue during future sessions.
The Commission commended the support of the Secretariat for the excellent arrangements for the meeting, and the Rapporteur and Secretary for providing a comprehensive draft report for approval by the Commission.
The Commission noted with appreciation the offers of the delegations from Mongolia and Lao PDR to host its nineteenth session.
The draft report was adopted by the Commission with minor corrections and clarifications, which are reflected in this report.
77. The Honorable Henry Palaszczuk, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, Queensland, officially closed the session.
1. Adoption of agenda
2.
Election of officers
3. State of forestry in the
region
4. Review of FAO Regular and Field Programmes,
including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the 17th session of the Commission
5. Report of the activities and progress of the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest
Management
a) Implementation of the Code of Practice for Forest
Harvesting in Asia-Pacific
b) Regional Strategy for
Implementing the Code
c) Regional Initiative for
the Development and Implementation of Criteria and Indicators for
Sustainable Management of Dry Forests in Asia
d)
Efficacy of removing natural forests from timber production as a strategy
for conserving forests
6. Follow-up to the IFF: Recent developments,
expectations of countries, opportunities for nfp development and challenges in
implementing recommendations
7. In-session seminar:
Certification and forest product labelling
8. (with
proposed participation by ITTO, FSC, CIFOR, RECOFTC and industry
representatives)
9. Forestry and the Kyoto Protocol:
Key issues
10. International Year of Mountains (for
information)
11. Preliminary FRA2000 findings (for
information)
12. Regional issues identified by the
Commission for the attention of the Committee on Forestry
13. Other business
14. Date and
place of next session
15. Adoption of report
Chairman: Peter Yuile (Australia)
Vice-Chairman: H.B.
Bandaratillake (Sri Lanka)
Xeme Samountry (Laos)
Lamjav Dorjtseden (Mongolia)
Rapporteur: Gary Man
(U.S.A)
Secretary: Patrick B. Durst (FAO)
The Hon. Wilson Tuckey MP
Minister for Forestry and Conservation
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (61-2)6277 7270
Fax:
(61-2)6273 7096
The Hon. Henry Palaszczuk
Minster for Primary Industries and
Rural Communities
Primary
Industries Building
80 Ann St.
Brisbane, QLD 4000
David Whitrow
Senior Advisor
Office of the Minister for Forestry and
Conservation
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (61-2)6277
7270
Fax: (61-2)6273 7096
Graeme Hallett
Office of the
Minister for Forestry and
Conservation
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (61-2)6277 7270
Fax:
(61-2)6273 7096
Peter Yuile
First Assistant
Secretary
Fisheries and Forestry Industries
Division
Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry
- Australia
GPO
Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel:
(61-2)6272 5931
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Robert Rawson
Assistant
Secretary
Forest Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Australia
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (61-2)6272
4620
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Dougal Morrison
Director
State and International Relations
Forest Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Australia
GPO Box 858, Barton
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel:
(61-2)6272 3278
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Brian O'Neill
Assistant
Director
International Forests Unit
Environment Australia
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel:
(61-2)6274 1294
Fax: (61-2)6274 1322
E-mail: brian.o'[email protected]
Tracey Reed
State and
International Relations
Forest Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Australia
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (61-2)6272
3430
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Kate Hartridge
Forest
Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Australia
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (61-2)6272
5906
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Sharyn Joce
Program Officer
PNG Renewable Resources, AusAid
62
Northbourne Ave.
Canberra City, ACT 2600
Tel: (61-2)6206 4681
Fax:
(61-2)6206 4589
E-mail: [email protected]
Ian Ferguson
Professor and Head
of Forestry
Department
School
of Forestry
University of Melbourne
Melbourne Victoria 3010
Tel:
(61-3)8344 5240
Fax: (61-3)9349 4172
E-mail: [email protected]
Alex Somlyay MP
Member for
Fairfax
Parliament House, George Street
Brisbane 4000
Tel: (61-7)5471 6611
Su Ming
Director
Department of
International
Cooperation
State Forestry Administration
18
Hepingli Dongjie, Beijing 100714
Tel: (86-10)8423 8719
Fax: (86-10)8423 8749
E-mail:
[email protected]
Zhang Songdan
Director
Department of Forest Resources
State Forestry Administration
18
Hepingli Dongjie, Beijing 100714
Tel: (86-10)8423 8408
Fax: (86-10)8423 8495
E-mail:
[email protected]
Wu Zhimin
Deputy Director
Department of International
Cooperation
State Forestry
Administration
18 Hepingli Dongjie, Beijing 100714
Tel: (86-10)8423 8798
Fax:
(86-10)8423 8749
E-mail: [email protected]
Xiao Wenfa
Professor
P.O. Box 67
Chinese Academy of
Forestry
Wanshoushanhou, Haidian District
Beijing 100091
Tel: (86-10)6288
9533
Fax: (86-10)6288 9555
E-mail: [email protected]
Yang Yuexian
Deputy Director
Centre for Natural Forest Conservation
State Forestry Administration
18
Hepingli Dongjie, Beijing 100714
Tel: (86-10)8423 8917
Fax: (86-10)6429 4373
E-mail:
[email protected]
I Gusti Tantra
Instructor, Centre for Education
Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops
Pusdiklat-Dephutbun, P.O. Box 141
Bogor 16610
Tel: (62-251)313622
Fax: (62-251)323565
E-mail: [email protected]
Muhammad Firman
Staff for DG of
Production Forest
Management
Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops
Manggala Wanabakti Bldg., Block I,
6/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5730255
Fax:
(62-21)5733336
Dadang S. Djajaredja
Head
Multilateral and International
Commodity Association Division
Bureau of Planning and International
Cooperation
Ministry of Forestry
and Estate Crops
Manggala Wanabakti Bldg., Block 7,
4/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5701114
Fax:
(62-21)5720210
Boedijono
Director, Centre for
Standardisation
and Environment
Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops
Manggala Wanabakti Bldg., Block 4,
7/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5733433
Fax:
(62-21)5733433
Herman Prayudi
Coordinator for
Natural Forest,
Forest Plantation and Foreign Affairs
The Association of Indonesian Forest
Concession Holders (APHI)
Manggala
Wanabakti Bldg., Block 4,
9/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto,
Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5737036, 5701154-55
Fax: (62-21)5732564
E-mail: [email protected],
[email protected]
R. Robianto Koestomo
Chairman
of Foreign Affairs Divisions
The Association of
Indonesian Forest
Concession, Holders (APHI)
Manggala Wanabakti Bldg., Block 4,
9/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5737036, 5701154-55
Fax: (62-21)5732564
E-mail: [email protected]
Robert Sianturi
Chairman of
Natural Forest Division
The Association of Indonesian
Forest
Concession Holders (APHI)
Manggala Wanabakti Bldg., Block 4,
9/F, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270
Tel: (62-21)5737036, 5701154-55
Fax: (62-21)5732564
E-mail: [email protected]
Tri Nugroho
Board of Directors
Pelangi Indonesia/Latin
Jalan
Danau Tondano No.A-4
Jakarta 10210
Tel: (62-21)5735020, 5719360
Fax:
(62-21)5732503
E-mail: [email protected]
Dradjad Hariwibowo
Executive
Director
Indonesian Ecolabelling Institute (LEI)
Menara Era Suite 703
J1 Senen Raya
135-137 Jakarta 10410
Tel: (62-21)3865457-58,
34831319-20
Fax: 62-21-3865462
E-mail: [email protected]
Elias
Lecturer
Faculty of Forestry
Bogor
Agricultural University, IPB
Kampus IPB Darmaga
P.O. Box 168, Bogor 16001
Tel:
(62-251)621285
Fax: (62-251)621256
E-mail: [email protected]
Tuti Wahyuningsih
Second
Secretary
Indonesia Embassy
8
Darwin Ave., Yarralumla
Canberra ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA
Tel: (61-2)6250 8600
E-mail:
[email protected]
Zahrial Coto
Professor, Head of
Lab.
Faculty of Forestry
Bogor
Agricultural University, IPB
Kampus IPB, Darmaga, Bogor
Tel: (62-251)628012
Fax:
(62-251)621256
E-mail: [email protected]
Kristiyono Fajari
Director
Indonesian Forestry Community, MPI
Manggala Wanabhakti Block IV, 9/F
Jln. Jend. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta
Tel: (62-21)5705082
Fax:
(62-21)5705083
E-mail: [email protected]
Petrus Gunarso
Ministry of
Forestry and Estate Crops
Indonesia
c/o 5/33 Central Avenue, St. Lucia
Brisbane, QLD 4067, AUSTRALIA
Tel:
(61-7)3365 7158
Hiroyuki Kanazawa
Director
International Forestry
Cooperation
Office, Forestry Agency
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries
1-2-1 Kasumigaseki,
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8952
Tel:
(81-3)3951 8449
Fax: (81-3)3593 9565
E-mail: [email protected]
Makiko Uemoto
Section Chief
International Forestry Cooperation
Office, Forestry Agency
Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries
1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8952
Tel: (81-3)3591
8449
Fax: (81-3)3593 9565
E-mail: [email protected]
Hong Changwon
Assistant Director
International
Cooperation Division
Korea Forest Service
920 Dusan-dong, Seo-gu
Taejeon
302-701
Tel: (82-42)4814148
Fax: (82-42)4814009
E-mail: [email protected]
Lee Kyung-ho
Assistant Director
International Cooperation Division
Korea Forest Service
920
Dusan-dong, Seo-gu
Taejeon 302-701
Tel: (82-42)4814142
Fax:
(82-42)4814009
E-mail: [email protected]
Aziyah Mohamad
Assistant Secretary
Forestry
Development Division
Ministry of Primary Industries,
Malaysia
8th Floor, Dayabumi Complex
Jln. Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603)2275 6147
Fax: (603)2274
5014
E-mail: [email protected]
Na'aman Jaafar
Director
Forest Planning Unit
Forestry
Department Headquarters
Peninsular Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
Kuala
Lumpur 50660
Tel: (603)2962530
Fax: (603)2925657
E-mail: [email protected]
Rahim Sulaiman
Deputy Director
(Planning)
Sabah Forestry Department
Forestry Department, Locked Bag 68
90009 Sandakan, Sabah
Tel:
(60-89)672060
Fax: (60-89)669170
E-mail: [email protected]
Barney Chan
General Manager
Sarawak Timber Association
P.O.
Box 171, Bukit Mata Kuching
Kuching 93100
Tel: (60-82)442935
Fax:
(60-82-441477
E-mail: [email protected]
Indra Singh Karki
Director-General
Department of
Forests
Ministry of Forestry and Soil
Conservation
P.O. Box 20607
Babar Mahal, Kathmandu
Tel:
(977-1)227574
Fax: (977-1)227374
E-mail: [email protected],
[email protected]
Mohan Wagley
Director-General
Department of Soil Conservation/
Watershed Management
P.O. Box
20607
Babar Mahal, Kathmandu
Tel: (977-1)220552, 225144
Fax:
(977-1)229067
David Rhodes
Senior Policy Analyst
International Policy
Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry
ASB Bank House
101-103 The Terrace
P.O. Box 2526,
Wellington
Tel: (64-4)4989829
Fax: (64-4)4744206
E-mail: [email protected]
Alan Reid
Consultant
Senior Policy Analyst
Sustainable
Resource Use Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry
ASB Bank House
101-103 The Terrace
P.O. Box 2526,
Wellington
Tel: (64-4)4989856
Fax: (64-4)4989898
E-mail: [email protected]
James V. Griffiths
Chief
Executive
New Zealand Forest Industries Council
P.O. Box 2727
Wellington
Tel: (64-4)4739220
Fax:
(64-4)4739330
E-mail: [email protected]
Alfredo S. Pascual
Regional Executive Director
DENR-Region 10
Cagayan de Oro City
Tel: (63-88)8568200
Fax:
(63-88)8569591
E-mail: [email protected]
Ernesto S. Guiang
Natural
Resources Management
Consultant
World Bank Resident Mission,
Philippines
48-A Adey 2, Project
6, Quezon City
Tel: (63-2)9226277
Fax: (63-2)6375870
E-mail: [email protected],
[email protected]
Maria Araceli Albarece
Agricultural Attaché
Embassy of
the Philippines
1 Moonah Place
Yarralumla ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA
Tel: (61-2)6273 2584
Fax:
(61-2)6273 2113
E-mail: [email protected]
Edwin Alamate
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of
Natural Resources
Department of Forests, Environment
and Conservation
P.O. Pox G24,
Honiara
Tel: (677)25848
Fax:
(677)21245
Peter Sheehan
Commissioner of
Forests
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box G24, Honiara
Tel:
(677)25752
Fax: (677)25752
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
H.M. Bandaratillake
Conservator of Forests
Forest
Department
Sampathpaya, Rajamalwatta Road
P.O. Box 3, Battaramulla
Tel:
(94-1)866616
Fax: (94-1)866633
E-mail: [email protected]
K.P. Jayasena
Director
Forestry Development Division
Ministry of Forestry & Environment
Sampathpaya, Battaramulla
Tel:
(94-1)863480
Fax: (94-1)877292
E-mail: [email protected]
Boonchoob Boontawee
Director of Forest Research Office
Royal Forest Department
61
Phaholyothin Road
Chatuchuk, Bangkok 10900
Tel: (66-2)5614292 Ext. 400
Fax:
(66-2)5614809
E-mail: [email protected]
Sureeratna Lakanavichian
Assistant Professor
Forest
Resources Department
Faculty of Agriculture
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai
50200
Tel: (66-53)219970, 944099
Fax: (66-53)219970
E-mail: [email protected]
Alex Moad
Assistant Director for Technical
Cooperation, International Programs
US Forest Service, 1099 14th St. NW Suite 5500 W, Washington DC20005
Tel: (202)2730163
Fax:
(202)2734750
E-mail: [email protected]
Gary Man
International Programs
Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator
USDA Forest Service, 1099 14th St. NW Suite 5500 W, Washington
DC20005
Tel: (202)2734740
Fax: (202)2734750
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas Waggener
Consultant/Sr.
Study Coordinator
International Forestry Sector
Analysis
(IFSA), 1611 145th PLSE
Mill Creek WA98012
Tel: (1-425)3852206
Fax:
(1-425)3852246
E-mail: [email protected]
Livo Mele
Director of Forests
Vanuatu
Department of Forests
Private Mail Bag 064, Port Vila
Tel: (678)23856, 23171
Fax:
(678)25051
E-mail: [email protected]
Adam Gerrand
Principal Forest
Officer (Technical)
Vanuatu Department of Forests
Private Mail Bag 064, Port Vila
Tel: (678)23856, 23171
Fax:
(678)25051
E-mail: [email protected]
Kanawi Pouru
Forests and Trees Adviser
SPC
Forests & Trees Programme
c/o UNDP PMB Suva, FIJI
Tel: (679)300432
Fax:
(679)305212
E-mail: [email protected]
Isoa Korovulavula
Environment
Officer
SPC/GTZ/Pacific German Regional
Forestry Project
P.O. Box 14041,
Suva, FIJI
Tel: (679)305983
Fax: (679)315446
E-mail: [email protected]
Evelyn Reigber
Team Leader
SPC/GTZ/Pacific German Regional Forestry Project
P.O. Box 14041, Suva, FIJI
Tel:
(679)305983
Fax: (679)315446
E-mail: [email protected]
Tracey Reed
State and International Relations
Forest Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry -
Australia
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (61-2)6272
3430
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Kate Hartridge
Forest
Industries Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry -
Australia
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (61-2)6272
5906
Fax: (61-2)6272 4875
E-mail: [email protected]
Sarah Norman
Queensland Forest
Research Institute
MS 483, Fraser Road
Gympie, QLD 4570
Tel: (61-7)5482
0896
Fax: (61-7)5482 8755
E-mail: [email protected]
M. Hosny El-Lakany
Assistant Director-General
Forestry Department
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
Rome 00100, ITALY
Tel: (39-06)5705
5879
Fax: (39-06)5705 2151
E-mail: [email protected]
Jim Bourke
Senior Forestry
Officer (Trade
Analysis)
Forestry Department
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
Rome 00100, ITALY
Tel: (39-06)5705
4174
Fax: (39-06)5705 5618
E-mail: [email protected]
Patrick B. Durst
Senior
Forestry Officer
FAO Regional Office for Asia and
the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion, Phra
Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, THAILAND
Tel: (662)2817844
Fax:
(662)2800445
E-mail: [email protected]
Darmo Suparmo
NFP Adviser
(Asia-Pacific)
FAO Regional Office for Asia and
the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion, Phra
Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, THAILAND
Tel: (662)2817844
Fax:
(662)2800445
E-mail: [email protected]
Aru Joel Mathias
Forest
Resources Management Officer
Forestry Department
FAO Sub-Regional Office
Private
Mail Bag, Apia
SAMOA
Tel:
(685)22127
Fax: (685)22126
E-mail: [email protected]
Michèle Millanès
Meetings
Assistant a.i.
Forestry Department
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
Rome 00100, ITALY
Tel:
(39-06)5705 3641
Fax: (39-06)5705 2151
E-mail: [email protected]
Amy Tanachiva
Secretary
FAO Regional Office for Asia and
the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion, Phra
Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, THAILAND
Tel: (662)2817844
Fax:
(662)2800445
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas Enters
Resource Person
16 Jalan Tan Jit Seng
11200
Penang, MALAYSIA
Tel: (60-4)8999261
E-mail: [email protected]
Agenda Item |
Code |
Title |
1 |
FO:APFC/2000/1 |
Provisional Agenda |
3 |
FO:APFC/2000/2 |
State of Forestry in the Region |
4 |
FO:APFC/2000/3 |
Review of FAO Regular and Field Programmes, including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the 17th session of the Commission |
5 |
FO:APFC/2000/4 |
Report of the activities and progress of the APFC ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Forest Management |
5(a) |
FO:APFC/2000/5 |
Implementing of the Code of Practice for forest harvesting in Asia-Pacific and support for national codes |
5(b) |
FO:APFC/2000/6 |
Regional strategy for implementing the Code of Practice for forest harvesting in Asia-Pacific |
5(c) |
FO:APFC/2000/7 |
Regional initiative for the development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable management of dry forests in Asia |
5(d) |
FO:APFC/2000/8 |
Efficacy of removing natural forests from timber production as a strategy for conserving forests |
6 |
FO:APFC/2000/9 |
Follow-up to the IFF: Recent developments, expectations of countries, opportunities for nfp development and challenges in implementing recommendations |
7 |
FO:APFC/2000/10 |
In-session Seminar: Certification and forest product labelling: A review |
8 |
FO:APFC/2000/11 |
Forestry and the Kyoto Protocol: Key issues |
Information documents |
||
FO:APFC/2000/INF.1 |
Information Note | |
FO:APFC/2000/INF.2 |
Provisional Timetable | |
FO:APFC/2000/INF.3 |
List of documents | |
FO:APFC/2000/INF.4 |
Preparations for the International Year of Mountains - 2002 | |
FO:APFC/2000/INF.5 |
Preliminary FRA 2000 findings | |
FO:APFC/2000/INF.6 |
EC-FAO Partnership Programme (2000-2002) | |
16. Assist in the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Implementation of the Code of Practice of Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. This will include:
2. Explore options for the development and implementation of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management in the Region, (e.g. Dry forest systems, community-based forest management systems, etc), facilitate the exchange of information and experience among member countries, and identify possible links to other tools to promote sustainable forest management.
3. Assist member countries to:
Certification and Its Future
Role in Sustainable Forest Management
in the Asia-Pacific Region
Noosaville, Queensland, Australia
Wednesday, 16 May 2000
09.00am Introduction. Moderator - I.J. Bourke, FAO
09.10am Certification's role in sustainable forest management in
Asia-Pacific (S.T. Mok, Board Member, Forest
Stewardship Council, Mexico)
09.30am Issues facing small
producers (R. Fisher, Deputy Director, Regional
Community Forestry Training Centre, Thailand)
09.50am The market benefits of
certification for Asia-Pacific producers (B.
Chan, General Manager, Sarawak Timber Association, Malaysia)
10.10am Morning Break
10.30am
The international dialogue on certification (A.
Sarre, Editor, Tropical Forest Update, International Tropical Timber
Organisation, Japan)
Panel
presentations
11.00am
Introduction of panel. I.J. Bourke, FAO
11.10am Is certification a
private sector responsibility? (J. Griffiths,
Executive Director, New Zealand Forest Industries Council, New Zealand).
11.20am
Government's role in certification in Asia-Pacific (P. Yuile, First Assistant Secretary, Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry - Australia).
11.30am Certification in the
Asia-Pacific region - where is it going? (D.
Hariwibowo, Executive Director, Lembaga Ekolabel Indonesia, Indonesia)
11.40am- Discussion session
12.30pm Open question and
discussion period.
Closing
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